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Published:
April 4, 2009
Plucky
Burnham-On-Sea pensioner set for 10,000ft parachute jump
 A
plucky pensioner from Burnham-On-Sea is set to fulfil a lifelong
dream by completing a parachute jump for charity at the age of
72.
Malcolm Hill, of Herbert Road, served in the Royal Marines
during his National Service from 1955-57.
At that time he was paid 28 shillings (£1.40) a week and
if he had signed up to the Parachute Regiment he would have earned
an extra nine pence per day (3.5p), giving him an added five shillings
a week.
However, he was turned down for parachute training because he
was on National Service and he's longed to do a jump ever since.
More than half a century later, he is set to fulfil his ambition
this autumn by doing a tandem skydive at 10,000ft after being
given the go-ahead by his doctor.
It will take place with the Parachute Regiment's freefall team,
the Red Devils, at Neatheravon, Wiltshire on September 22nd.
Malcolm told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I was at a Royal Marine
station in Lympstone, Devon, and there were 28 of us in the squad.
We all wanted to join the Parachute Regiment because it paid nine
pence a day jumping money and we were paid 28 shillings a week
but we were all refused because we were National Service."
"I was demobbed from the military in 1957 and joined the
police force and later worked for Guildford CID."
"The jump is something I have always wanted to do. I'm a
life member of the Royal Marines Association, which does brilliant
work, as does Help for Heroes, which supports service men and
women. I have therefore decided to do a jump and earn sponsorship
for them both."
"I had to go to my doctor because I am over 40 to get approval,
and she asked if I was nervous. I said not at all about the jump,
but I explained I was more worried about seeing her in case she
said I couldn't do it! Iin fact, she said I was fit and gave me
the go-ahead."
"I went out of the surgery walking on air and I'm now looking
forward to doing it. It has been an ambition of mine for many
years."
He added: "My daughters Sally and Karen are both sponsoring
me £50 each and they think it is fantastic and are both
totally in favour. My wife Joyce is also fully supportive."
Joyce
admitted to Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I was a little apprehensive
at first, but I know it's something he's always wanted to do and
I'm all for it."
"He
would have regrets if he didn't do it now. I actually wish I could
join him by jumping too - I would love to do it - but a back problem
means this isn't possible."
To make a donation, post a cheque to 16 Herbert Road, Burnham-On-Sea,
TA8 2HE.
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